Dad pleads not guilty to perjury in torture case

Home of children found shackled has become bizarre tourist attraction.
USA TODAY

David Turpin, accused of shackling and starving some of his 13 children, appears in court before his hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice on Friday. Turpin pleaded not guilty to lying on government forms about their schooling. Turpin and his wife, Louise, previously pleaded not guilty to torture, abuse and other charges.(Photo: Watchara Phomicinda, AP)

The couple was arrested after a daughter escaped from their Perris home in January and called 911. Authorities say children in the home were starved and allowed to do little except write in journals. The children ranged in age from 2 to 29.

Prosecutors say David Turpin filled out forms yearly saying the children were receiving a full-time education in a private day school.

Louise Turpin, left, talks with her attorney Jeff Moore before a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice on Friday. Turpin and her husband David, accused of starving and shackling some of their 13 children, have pleaded not guilty to torture, child abuse and other charges.(Photo: Watchara Phomicinda, AP)